Saturday, November 26, 2016

Coat Craze: eShakti Review

 

Earlier this Fall, a review opportunity came that I could not pass. As a blogger, I receive a few offers every single day, but as you probably have noticed, I rarely write reviews or talk about free product from companies. In fact, the last time was over a year ago. While I am not a commercial blogger, I love to collaborate with brands that genuinely interest me, and when I received an email from eShakti, I got really excited.




I've written about this company on a numerous occasions - once when I received a free opportunity to order a custom-made item of clothing, another time a gift card in exchange for a post about their renovated site, and many more times when I purchased their dresses, skirts or blouses. Ever since my first order, I became a fan of their wide variety of feminine styles (lots of which have a retro feel that I love), reasonable pricing and what's the most important, the opportunity to customize your choice in size and/or style. Every item you choose at the eShakti website comes in a range of lengths, and if it's a top, coat or dress, then also with a variety of neckline/collar and sleeves to choose from. As a plus size woman, I also appreciate that their clothing comes in a range of sizes 0 to 36 US. That being said, you can see why I fell in love with this brand and happily ordered their custom clothing on many occasions.



This Fall, I got a craze for coats, and when I saw this 1960s inspired coat made from textured fabric, I thought I hit the jack pot. I haven't had an eShakti coat before, so from that perspective the experience was new to me, and I didn't quite know what to expect. The only requirement was that I customize my order - either size-wise (using my own measurements vs. generic sizing chart), or by making some changes to the style. For a long time, I have wanted to own a longer coat (mine are all short or mid knee length) and decided to add length to it, so I can wear it with a variety of my midi dresses and skirts.



When I received my coat back in October, I really liked it, but it was still fairly warm outside, so I had to wait for coat weather to arrive, and then I got sick for a couple weeks...long story short, when it was time to write a review, I felt that something about this coat wasn't working for me. I couldn't put my finger on it though. The sizing was correct, the fit was right, but even though I tried a few different stylings, it just did not feel right. Did I make a mistake by adding extra length to it? I felt really bummed - I was so looking forward to wearing this coat! I decided to write to eShakti explaining the situation. There was nothing wrong with the coat, but I just did not like how I looked in it. They were kind enough to let me keep the coat, even without a review. But it bothered me. I knew I had to write about my experience and finally find closure. So I decided to style it once more, have more photos taken and let them sit for a while. That's what I usually do with my writing - I don't try to evaluate it right away - too much emotional attachment to the text, and I need fresh eyes to look at it. I needed distance.


After a few days, I looked at my outfit photos again, and I found them charming. I think by adding length to the original design, I changed the character of the coat significantly, and it threw me off! With this particular styling, the coat is channeling late 1940s/1950s. With different shoes and accessories, it might look more like 1960s/1970s - I will have to try it later. I think this shift from one era to another was unexpected to me, and I just couldn't find satisfaction with the coat. But it is a beautiful garment, my colors, the fabric has a great texture and pattern, and the neckline makes it easy to add a shawl or fur collar to it, which was my original plan. Or leave it as is, for a more streamlined feel.


UPDATE: 
I received a special discount code for my readers - "writerscloset". It's exclusively created for you to get 10% OFF when you shop at eShakti – valid from 11/28/2016  – 12/31/2016

Please note:
Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box.   It is not case-sensitive. 
Code can be used any number of times until the validity period.
It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions.
This discount code is not applicable on clearance, gift cards & overstock categories.
Not applicable on previous purchases

eShakti adds new styles very frequently (weekly, I believe), and while my coat is not available any longer, I picked a few other coats and capes for you that caught my eye:




Houndstooth coat - courtesy of eShakti (customized by me)
Skirt - eSkakti (my purchase last year)
Turtleneck sweater - Chico's (old)
Scarf - Lane Bryant (old)
Boots - Ecco's (old)
Purse - Michael Kors via TJ MAXX
Wooden and amber necklace - hand-made in Crimea 


Linking up with Patti's Visible Monday

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28 comments:

  1. love that coat on you and its length!!
    especially the length - one can buy not often a longer coat this days - beside of real vintage ones. i really can imagine like the coat swishes when you walk!
    and a gorgeous styling! totally chic but casual - wonderful! <3 <3 <3
    but i would change the buttons - into plain, massive ones - maybe even in that orangey tone of the houndstooth.......and i want to tell eShakti to add "more fabric" to the closure part - if you look at vintage or expensive coats you understand what i mean.
    much love and huge hugs to you my dear! xxxxxxx

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    1. Thank you, Beate! I agree that the buttons need more room to the right! And what a clever idea to change buttons. I wanted to change them simply because the openings are a little too tight for this size buttons, but I love your idea of plain orange buttons instead.

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  2. I like the longer length but after on both versions the buttons stop too soon. What's the price point and what is the fabric?

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    1. Thank you, Sam! The fabric on my coat is polyester/wool mix. I honestly don't remember the price for it, but I think around $100, judging by their current coats pricing. I think three buttons is a style choice in this case, but I love Beate's idea of orange buttons - I must try that one. I think it will look better.

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  3. I love the whole outfit! It's just perfect and the coat is so beautiful. I'd love to have one just like it too. You chose very cool lenght. It could have I'd say two more button holes but in general it is just absolutely awesome.

    Have a wonderful day!:) Hugs:))

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    1. Thank you, my dear! I am on the edge on adding more button holes. It definitely can be done, I'll think about it!

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  4. Natalia, you did rather well choosing this coat as the style and colour suit you so very well. I must agree with Beate on the larger buttons .With some larger buttons and a fur collar it really could be from another era.I noticed on their website they send to Australia but I haven't looked at shipping so you never know,thankyou for introducing the brand.

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    1. Thank you, Jill! I'm afraid larger buttons won't work - the buttonholes aren't big enough. But I will try to find better looking buttons, and definitely will wear my faux fur when the weather is colder, it looks wonderful with this coat.

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  5. Wow i really love the mix of colours and patterns! great job!

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  6. Oh you chose so perfectly! I love these colors together and the cut of the coat. Thanks for linking up, xo

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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  7. I understand your need for a longer coat but I think it would have been a better look if it was shorter for you. You are built like me and when something gets too long it just starts to overwhelm. Even though I'm big busted and apple-shaped a fit and flare coat looks good where I would never wear a dress in that cut. Just my two cents! Love the color on you!

    Julia
    www.whenthegirlsrule.com

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    1. Thank you, Julia! I am a classic hourglass - as I've been all of my life, only measurements change, but not my proportions.

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  8. The fabric is so wonderful, Natalia!! I love how the scarf matches so well!
    jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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  9. The colour of that coat is fabulous on you, Natalia.
    I do find that unless you can afford high end labels and pay hundreds of pounds, contemporary outerwear (even when it looks fabulous on websites) rarely measures up to it's vintage inspiration. The lining, finish and fabric just isn't the same.
    I agree with Beate about changing the buttons. I think adding a fake fur trim would transform your coat and give it the vintage look you crave.
    Kudos to you for an honest review rather than "Those lovely people at" puff piece that the majority of bloggers gifted a freebie often write. xxx

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    1. Oh Vix, there is no argument about that - the quality in modern clothing is compromised, period. So we focus on what's good - and what's good is design ideas (or rather inspiration in this case) and variety, especially for plus size women. The variety wasn't there just a few short years ago! Thank you for your kind and constructive comment.

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  10. that's a really beautiful coat, I like particularly that houndstooth print and the color is great!, it's sad that it wasn't what you were looking for, and I agree with other comments on changing buttons or adding a fur trim on sleeves/neckline. Midi length is really tricky!
    Anyway, love your outfit, fabulous color combo and autumnal shades warmth and coziness!! you're gorgeous! (lovely tartan skirt indeed!)
    besos

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    1. Thank you so much, Monica! I'll work on it, we'll see what happens.

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  11. That coat is amaaaazing! I love how you styled it, too! <3

    - Anna

    www.melodicthriftychic.com

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  12. ! adore tha houndstooth coat and how you paired it with the tartan plaid, gorgeous. This is an interesting company, how nice to be able to custom order ,so clothing fits just right!
    Thanks for sharing this!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/

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  13. It is a lovely coat indeed. I love how you are still thinking about all the ways in which to style it. Some people get so easily bored with clothes and they won't wear something they bought only a month ago! I'm the complete opposite. I only feel comfortable with clothes if I had them for a long time. Then I start to feel they're a part of me and it is easier to style them. New clothes (even if they're second hand or vintage) never feel quite the way old ones do. I need time to process them- but when I do that, I really feel they're a part of my style.

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    1. It's very interesting about how you feel about old and new clothes, Ivana! I think I understand it. I enjoy both, don't ask me to pick one. :)

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  14. Add dramatic impact to your customized labels, patches, pins, challenge coins and more. Make your brand stand out with Austin Trim

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  15. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  16. Your enthusiasm for eShakti's customizable options and inclusive sizing is truly inspiring! It's fantastic how they prioritize individuality and comfort in fashion, much like your own approach in your patch designs. Your work undoubtedly mirrors their dedication to personalization and inclusivity. Keep up the great work!
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